As Sweden’s capital is dramatically situated and spread over 14 islands, it is often called the “Venice of the North”. Stockholm is not only the seat of the Swedish parliament and government, but also the country’s financial and economic centre. It has recently boldly marketed itself as “The Capital of Scandinavia” – proof, perhaps, that a little metropolitan arrogance is not alien to Stockholmers.

The region of Greater Stockholm has around two million inhabitants, the equivalent to one fifth of the entire Swedish population. When we talk to Swedes about the difference between Stockholm and Gothenburg, we sometimes hear: “Stockholm is a metropolis, Gothenburg is a large city.”

World-famous museums and luxury shopping

Stockholm is suitable for both short trips over a weekend, and also much longer visits, including a whole summer vacation. There are world-famous museums such as the Vasa Museum, the cosy old town “Gamla Stan”, the Royal Palace, the amusement park Gröna Lund and the SkyView on the Ericsson Globe to see.

If you prefer shopping, you will also find Sweden’s best boutiques with Swedish fashion, luxury department stores (“NK” for example) and much more to enjoy.

Don’t forget your swimwear

If you have had enough of sightseeing and shopping, you can always get on one of the many boats and take a trip to the stunning archipelago, where you will soon forget all the hustle and bustle of the big city. In fine summer weather, you should always take your swimwear along, as the beaches are excellent.

Our recommendations for Stockholm

Overviews

• Top 12 must-sees, with map
• Mini trip itinerary: Stockholm in 48 hours
• The Stockholm Pass – useful or not?
• Shopping – A comprehensive guide with map
• 19 photo spots for stunning shots
• Royal Djurgården
• Architecture – 10 outstanding examples, with map

Major attractions

• Gamla Stan, the old town
• The Royal Palace
• Stadshuset, the City Hall
• Stockholm’s best view: Fjällgatan
• The viewpoint Monteliusvägen on Södermalm
• Järnpojke, the “Iron Boy”: Stockholm’s smallest statue
• Sergels torg, the city’s busy centre
• Östermalmshallen, Östermalm’s Market Hall
• The Rosendal Garden and Park on Djurgården
• Haga Park and Haga Palace in Solna
• Stockholm Avicii Arena: SkyView glass gondola ride
• Hammarby Sjöstad
• The archipelago
• Drottningholm Palace, a royal World Heritage site

Sightseeing tours

• Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide – 2½ hours
• Sightseeing by Ocean Bus, an amphibious bus
• Boat tour under the bridges
• Hop-on hop-off tours
• Further offers: Sightseeing tours and guided walks
• More time? Guided day trips – Longer tours and activities

Museums

• The open-air museum Skansen on Djurgården
• The warship Vasa – A visit to the Vasa Ship Museum
• The ABBA Museum
• Paradox Museum – An interactive experience museum
• The Viking Museum
• Fotografiska, a center for contemporary photography
• Moderna Museet, Sweden’s foremost museum of modern art
• The Nobel Prize Museum
• Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde: art museum and gardens
• The Artipelag art gallery in the archipelago

Events

• Food festival in early June
• Culture and youth festival in mid-August

Accommodations

• Hotel for tonight or tomorrow – Nine hotel deals
• Hotel ideas for a great stay, such as Scandic Downtown Camper, Clarion Hotel Sign, Best Western and hotel, Scandic Continental and many more
• Nine recommended hostels (youth hostels)

Airport transfers

• Stockholm Arlanda Airport transfers (train or taxi)

  Hotels in Stockholm

Book now:  Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Stockholm

Here are some hotels we especially recommend:

• 5 star: the famous Grand Hotel opposite the Royal Palace – every year around December 10, this hotel accommodates the Nobel Prize winners
• 4 star: the new  Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel not far from the central station
• 4 star: Scandic Anglais near the Stureplan square – excellent breakfast plus great view from the rooftop bar; our tip: there are small single rooms in the basement (no window) that are usually quite reasonably priced
• 3 star: Best Western Hotel Fridhemsplan
• Inexpensive and modern: Motel L Hammarby Sjöstad, air-conditioning in all rooms; nice waterfront cafés and restaurants within walking distance

  Sightseeing tours, activities and entrance tickets

Book now: The best Stockholm tours, activities and tickets

  Hotels in Stockholm

Book now:  Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Stockholm